Asphalt vs. Pavers

Through the use of concrete pavers, driveway design has taken on a life of its own. Where once the driveway was just an afterthought, now it is part of the landscape design. Asphalt driveways were once as common as asphalt roads but now they are almost never considered unless the distance is uneconomical for other products. Even in those unusual conditions, you will find the driveway closest to the house made of something more pleasing to the eye, such as concrete pavers or stamped concrete.

Asphalt Trying to Compete

The asphalt industry has attempted to create a more aesthetically pleasing product by offering designs imprinted in the asphalt. Heated cables, connected in several different designs, are pressed into the driveway asphalt. Once the cables are removed, leaving channels in the asphalt, colors are used to create the look of cobble or brick on the driveway.

The Stronger of the Two

Though highly durable, asphalt cannot match the extreme strength of concrete pavers. Created with very high tensile strength concrete, as high as 10,000 pounds per square inch, the durability of concrete pavers surpasses all other products. The source of most of the strength of a paver driveway is the same as that of a poured concrete or asphalt driveway. The foundation makes all the difference.

Concrete Cracking

We have all seen poured concrete driveways that have huge cracks running across the center or a corner has dropped off. As a hardscape contractor, I used to tell people the only guarantee you get with concrete driveways and pool decks is they will crack. In almost every case when the concrete slab is removed we would find clear evidence that little or no foundation was ever attempted.

Effects of a Poor Foundation

With an asphalt driveway the effects of a poor foundation are not so quick or so radical, but the cracks and holes are still evident within a couple of years. As with so many other things, it is what lays beneath the surface that makes the biggest difference. As with asphalt and poured concrete, a well built foundation creates the base for pavers that can last for innumerable years. A good foundation for the pavers combined with the minimal traffic most driveways receive, you can expect to have a trouble free product for a very long time.

Arthor and Source: Don Schulze

Tips Choosing Driveway Material

When it comes to paving your driveway, there are several factors to take into account. The primary concern is what material to use. One type of material is loose stone, which tends to be inexpensive in comparison to other popular materials such as asphalt, tar and chip, or concrete. Loose stone is natural looking and pleasing to the eye, although there are some challenges to take into account. It may pose as difficult to walk on and prove to be a challenge when it comes to snow removal.

You can create a beautiful driveway design by using a less expensive material and accenting it with other materials. You can also simply use a material such as asphalt, and put your funds into great landscaping, lighting and other garden features. An outstanding driveway design does not have to include expensive material. After all, it is the entire landscape design itself that is important.

Help Tis - Asphalt, Paverstone, Concrete, or Gravel

How to Pave your House Driveway Paver Stones

Well you are all settled in your new home, you've never been so elated so you go outside to see the view of your new home from the road and you're thrown off. Something is wrong, it's that damn driveway. It looks ragged and ancient; you want it to complement you, and who you are and your dreams for your home. It's time for some paving, making that driveway your baby. It takes a few things however if you plan on doing this yourself. In a couple, maybe expensive steps if you don't do your research, your driveway can look as good as new. It can even have some color. Imagine that.

Some essential items you might need... some gravel, some crushed gravel, gravel spreader, asphalt mix, some asphalt spreader, and even a drum roller. A big question is whether you have an old surface to remove, if so, you are going to need a jackhammer to break that surface up. That's going to be a little tough, but it should be enjoyable.

How to Lay Pavers Step by Step Pictures

Tips for Fixing Driveway Cracks

It's easy to see why homeowners select concrete driveways. Concrete is durable, low maintenance, and has a quality appearance. A variety of colors, patterns and texture give the homeowner a selection. All of these choices are useless, however if a short while after you invest in a quality driveway it becomes cracked and stained.

How to Fix Driveway Cracks DIY Pictures